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[xbhaskarx]

Rez and Chessmaster are up.

There are two sets picture packs for Mutant Storm Empire (100 each). No interest, obviously... I thought there was going to be actual game content??

 

[Sectus]

Chessmaster and Rez are up now.

Chessmaster seems like a nice edition of chess. Very clean and simple graphics with more options than I expected (puzzle mode, 4 variants of chess and statistics). And thank god you can play with 2D graphics, I despise chess variants which forces a 3D view.

Rez seems... well, extremely boring. I don't know why so many people were so excited about this. Sure the intergration of music into the game is unique, and the artstyle is unique. But that doesn't help at all when the music is awful, the artstyle looks ugly and the gameplay is just a dull onrail shooter where you can hold on the fire button instead of clicking like a madman. At the very least, it seems like a faithful remake/port of the original, so fans should be all over it.

 

[aku:jiki]

There are two sets picture packs for Mutant Storm Empire (100 each). No interest, obviously... I thought there was going to be actual game content??

Wow, that's what we got? PomPom keeps piling up the failures.

 

[Shaneus]

Chessmaster and Rez are up now.

Rez seems... well, extremely boring. I don't know why so many people were so excited about this. Sure the intergration of music into the game is unique, and the artstyle is unique. But that doesn't help at all when the music is awful, the artstyle looks ugly and the gameplay is just a dull onrail shooter where you can hold on the fire button instead of clicking like a madman. At the very least, it seems like a faithful remake/port of the original, so fans should be all over it.

Well, if you're not a fan of the music then OBVIOUSLY you won't be a fan of the game. Just like I'm sure I'd be a fan of wrestling games if I was from the deep south, but as it is, I hate them.

 

[Sectus]

Well, if you're not a fan of the music then OBVIOUSLY you won't be a fan of the game. Just like I'm sure I'd be a fan of wrestling games if I was from the deep south, but as it is, I hate them.

So the music is the only appeal to the game? Even if I did like the music, I just couldn't see myself playing it for very long as the gameplay is so dull.

 

[aku:jiki]

So the music is the only appeal to the game? Even if I did like the music, I just couldn't see myself playing it for very long as the gameplay is so dull.

Your soul is dead. I'm sorry, but it's true.

 

[mozfan12]

I would love to have the original Half Life on XBLA, so that I can have the whole series on the xbox, all with updated graphics, and achievements. Valve make this happen

 

[Rlan]

Actually I messed up on the two titles - they were known via OFLC and ESRB, but for some reason were NOT on the Wikipedia page.

It was Lost Cities and Wits & Wagers.

 

[Community Forum]

Mutant Storm Empire picture packs. LOL.

 

[xbhaskarx]

Seriously what the hell is that about. I would have paid $$ for new levels.

 

[skybaby]

almost 9 hours before I get home and rez

 

[McBradders]

Chessmaster impressions anyone?

 

[Another_visitor]

I just uploaded an article for XBLAH, it's my first, so I'd like some feedback

http://www.xblah.net/

What needs to be on the XBLA? #1 - Death Tank Zwei

I think you may have concentrated on the mechanics of the game too much. To the uninitiated, DTZ is a hard sell as it looks so unpromising. The (unavoidably) drab screenshots, coupled with the factual description will put many people off. It would have been better to start by describing some of the unique moments that can occur in DTZ. I.e. Blasting an airborne opponent, only to have his stricken tank detonate with corbomite & the resulting explosions dislodge mines which slowly roll towards your stranded vehicle or the agony of digging for hidden weapons only to get the black shield and become a literal bullet magnet or the sweet, sweet joy of unleashing the awesome power of the deathshead whilst you're safe and sound in the white shield. Anyway, you get the idea.

Also, did you try mailing or phoning snowblind to see if you could talk to Mr Dreisbach? People are often a lot easier to contact than you'd think & if you get blocked at the front desk you could try to guess his corporate e-mail.

I'm completely behind you on this one & good luck with your future articles.

 

[Rlan]

Yeah I rushed it a little. I didn't try contacting him either since.. well I didn't have time. I need an editor

Thanks AV and Shard. I've got a big list here of ideas to write about, so I'll keep your thoughts in mind and try to get under the covers a bit more.

 

[Sectus]

Chessmaster impressions anyone?

I've played a few matches and it seems good to me. You can think of it like "Chessmaster Lite". It does not have indepth tutorials, analyzing or a big library of famous chess matches. But it does have most of the other features: wide array of AI profiles, practice mode which shows opening moves and colouring coding for safe and dangerous moves, player rating for singleplayer and multiplayer, chess puzzles, save and view replays,

And it has a few features the PC version does not have: nice music (although in the long run you'll definitely want to play some your own music), play-by-mail (where the player can do the next move the next time he's online, not exactly the ideal way to play chess though), some chess variants (including one unique variant which adds fog of war into the game). quick toggle between 2D and 3D boards and support for xbox live camera.

The only drawback is that it's slightly cumbersome to play with a pad. I wouldn't recommend playing matches with very little time as you can't do moves at an instant.

All in all, I think it's a good chess edition. I would recommend it if you want to play chess on the 360.

 

[McBradders]

Play by mail is something that would make me consider buying it, actually

 

[Psychotext]

Play by mail is something that would make me consider buying it, actually

Same for me. It's how I generally prefer to play with friends.

 

[Shard]

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=91635

SouthPeak unveils XBLA racer
News by Tom Bramwell

Today 09:21

French developer Load Inc. is back for another crack at an Xbox Live Arcade racing game with Things On Wheels, due out in summer 2008 via publisher SouthPeak. Exact pricing has yet to be revealed.

Described as an "accessible, pure arcade racing title", it sees you driving remote-control cars around the rooms of a house with tracks built up of everyday items.

The twist is that routes are more freeform, and it sounds as though there's more scope for carving your own path between objectives, through table legs or past electric heaters. Sort of like Midnight Club meets Micro Machines.

Load Inc.'s last XBLA game, Mad Tracks, divided opinion, but SouthPeak and Load, Inc. are confident that this one will be better, with a source close to the developer indicating there was a bit more filthy gaminglucre behind this one.

SouthPeak has only released one screenshot, for now, but we put it on the internet for you anyway. Enjoy!

 

[Psychotext]

I really hope that's how it looks in game. Real pretty.

 

[moai]

so sensible soccer bombed? i have trouble finding people to play with

 

[Shard]

so sensible soccer bombed? i have trouble finding people to play with

I would have thought Euroland was still playing this game.

 

[Psychotext]

I mostly play it offline. The stuttering in online play can get really frustrating.

 

[painey]

I bought my first XBLA game since Worms, Exit. Ironically it was the Nintendo DS demo that persuaded me to buy it. I love the graphics and the number of levels but I find the control responses a bit delayed, prince of persia style.

 

[Kafel]

so sensible soccer bombed? i have trouble finding people to play with

Silly lag made me stop playing it.

I'll check soon if it has disapeared.

 

[radjago]

Revolt HD or bust!

 

[Kafel]

Why isn't there a Trackmania on the XBLA by the way ?

 

[Sectus]

so sensible soccer bombed? i have trouble finding people to play with

This seems to be the case with all XBLA games. You'll be sure to find people to play with a few weeks after the game is released, but after that... the multiplayer community turns into a ghost town. I periodically boot some of my older XBLA games (Worms, Switchball, Puzzle Quest, and a few others) and it's extremely difficult to find anyone to play with.

I'll have to say Microsoft is partially to blame. Forcing developers to split up the community into "player" and "ranked" matches only makes it more difficult to find people to play with.

 

[radjago]

Just a reminder that today is the last day to vote for the XBLA Awards

 

[Shard]

http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/super_street_fighter_ii_turbo_hd_remix/preview-743.html

New Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix interview.

 

[xabre]

From my short time with it so far Chessmaster Live is really impressive IMO.

Anyone play online yet? Tell me that if I'm playing online and my opponent drops mid match I get the win? You'd be amazed how often this is overlooked.

 

[Sectus]

From my short time with it so far Chessmaster Live is really impressive IMO.

Anyone play online yet? Tell me that if I'm playing online and my opponent drops mid match I get the win? You'd be amazed how often this is overlooked.

Yeah, you'll get the win. Half of my wins has actually been from people leaving the game as it starts.

Also note that the game isn't very good at telling which current mode you're playing. I've started a game of progressive and losing chess with people who thought they were playng ordinary chess.

 

[Shard]

New Pirates Vs. Ninjas Volleyball team detailed /w video footage: Robots

http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/01/30/pirates-vs-ninjas-dodgeballs-new-team-robots/

 

[zam]

woot, Poker Smash next week. This game looks so awesome

 

[FightyF]

Great article Rlan, I think Shard had some really good advice though, things that I would not have considered myself...and I'm just getting into this blogging thing myself.

I wonder if NBA Jam:TE will ever make one of your "should be on XBLA" posts in the future? At one point it was the highest grossing arcade game of all time...sorta makes sense to be on XBLArcade. Plus, it would be ultra competitive with online play, and seeing people with their Bill Clinton characters and such, it was the perfect competitive arcade game. Gotta stop here before I start ranting.

Just a reminder that today is the last day to vote for the XBLA Awards

Thanks for the reminder. I wouldn't normally do this sort of thing, but I hope MS gets the message that games like Castlevania are perfect additions to XBLA. I'm a huge fan of XBLA, and I have my own view of what it should be more like, and what I don't want to see, so that's the biggest reason why I'm voting, hopefully some of the results gets MS's attention.

If Castlevania gets more attention, I hope they would recognize the potential in releasing 16-bit RPGs on XBLA.

 

[Rlan]

Technically it's Midways "year" for NBA games but I don't think they've announced anything. We'll probably get a Ballers in retail [EA and Midway have to contractually 'miss' a year]. Whether or not Midway can do both is unknown.

But it would essentially have to be reworked and just make new characters, since they can't use the names, and it wouldn't be worth buying new ones for a XBLA title.

Midway haven't shown too much interest in XBLA anyhow, giving pennys out to Digital Eclipse to 'update' ancient games.

 

[Shard]

Well, here is the thing about NBA Jam, that has two major licensing problems that I don't think it could overcome. It is true that Midway still has the NBA license but do recall the NBA Jam games used real player likenesses, something that would have to be dealt with, usually when it comes to old games the names are replaced with numbers, but NBA Jam also had facial features, that would have to be changed outright or re-licensed again. Also, this is something people forget, Midway doesn't own the rights to NBA Jam anymore, hasn't for a good long time, back in the mid-1990s Midway sold off Jam to Acclaim, they would have to buy that back from whomever bought that back during the Acclaim firesale, or more likely use one its sucessors, Hangtime, Showtime, Hoops, ect, ect, ect.


Anyway, I bring new news in the form of Achivements.

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/achievements.php?gameID=594

Triggerheart Exelica

Exelica Normal Ending 10
Complete the game playing as Exelica (Normal Ending).

Crueltear Normal Ending 10
Complete the game playing as Crueltear (Normal Ending).

Exelica True Ending 20
Complete the game playing as Exelica (True Ending).

Crueltear True Ending 20
Complete the game playing as Crueltear (True Ending).

Score 50,000,000 10
Complete the game with a score of 50,000,000 points.

Score 100,000,000 20
Complete the game with a score of 100,000,000 points.

Destroy Faintear (Level 1) 15
Destroy Faintear in the first level.

Destroy Faintear (Level 3) 20
Destroy Faintear in the third level.

No Miss Clear 15
Complete the entire game without losing a life.

No Bomb Clear 15
Complete the entire game without using a bomb.

Hard Mode 1CC 20
Complete the entire game at the highest difficulty level and without using a continue.

Perfect Play 25
Destroy all the bosses and complete the entire game without dying at Normal difficulty or higher.

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/achievements.php?gameID=386

Commanders: Attack of the Genos

There are 12 achievements with a total of 200 points.

Scholar
5
Finish Training.

Bravely Bold
5
Finish one online match.

Explorer
15
Collect every secret token.

Tank Commander
10
Own 10 heavy tanks at the same time.

Officer
20
Complete the Standard Campaign.

General
30
Complete the Advanced Campaign.

Warrior
15
Finish all Battlemaps.

Destroyer
15
Destroy 1000 enemy units.

Winner
15
Win 50 missions.

Survivor 5
Win any campaign mission without casualties.

Perfectionist
40
Get 5 stars in every category on all Standard Campaign missions.

Supreme
25
Get the good ending in the Advanced Campaign.

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/achievements.php?gameID=344

Rocketmen: Axis of Evil

Hero of Venus
20
Escape Venusian Space

Hero of Mercury
20
Get Empress Armada off planet Mercury

Hero of Mars
30
Destroy the Axis Of Evil's ultimate weapon

Weapon Specialist
15
Max out one weapon

Well Defended
20
Buy Wicked Armor

Perfect Skill
10
Max out one statistic

Medallist
10
Get a medal on any level

Overachiever
15
Get a gold medal on five different levels

Perfectionist
20
Get a gold medal on ten different levels

Multi Player
10
Complete any level in Online Multiplayer Mode

Big Winner
20
Win three levels in 4-player Multiplayer Mode

Smarter Than A Ball
10
Rescue Empress Armada without being crushed

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/achievements.php?gameID=559

Poker Smash

Chain Master
15
Score a 5x chain in Action Mode, Timed Mode or Custom Playlist Mode

Unchained Melody
20
Score a 7x Chain in Action Mode, Timed Mode or Custom Playlist Mode

Self Restraint
15
Get to speed level 7 only making 3 of a kinds and no chains

Pack Rat
15
Unlock all 11 in-game themes

Score of the Gods
30
Score 1,000,000 points

Champ
15
Win 1st place in a player match or ranked match

Chain Gang
15
Score a 3x chain in Action Mode, Timed Mode or Custom Playlist Mode

Chain Monster
20
Score a 24x chain in Action Mode, Timed Mode or Custom Playlist Mode

The Thinker
10
Unlock all puzzle groups

Challenge Hand
10
Make a challenge hand in Action Mode, Timed Mode or Custom Playlist Mode

All Hands
20
Make every possible hand in Action Mode, Timed Mode or Custom Playlist Mode

Triple Smash
15
Make three chains at the same time in Action Mode, Timed Mode or Custom Playlist Mode

 

[dejay]

Revolt HD or bust!

I see games like this in development and instantly yearn for a game at least as good as Revolt with modern visuals. Unfortunately we usually end up with shit.

Seeing as it's the same developer as Mad Tracks, confidence is low.

 

[Sean]

Xbox Live Arcade is looking for Producers:

Hi all — just a quick note to announce that XBLA (and our larger division, “Digitally Distributed Games”) is looking for seasoned producers to help manage our 1st party and indie-published game development projects. You can find the full job description and apply via Microsoft.com. A brief summary of the JD is copied below. PS. While enthusiasm is appreciated and encouraged, please do not submit resumes directly to me. That’s what the website is for! (Seriously. Don’t send me your resume.)

--------------------

The Xbox Live Digitally Distributed Games (DDG) team is a newly formed organization focused on digital distribution of games via Xbox Live Marketplace. As part of the DDG Publishing PM team, your responsibilities will include driving the complete product cycle of multiple games from initial concept to release. The ability to ship games on a predictable and reliable schedule is paramount.

Qualifications/Skills:
- Passion for and knowledge of games.
- Strong cross-team communication skills. You can talk to creatives (e.g. artists and game designers), technical people (e.g. programmers), and non-technical people (e.g. PR and Marketing) alike.
- Exceptional organization skills. You are detailed and organized. You never let anything fall through the cracks.
- You have experience shipping games through two product cycles, preferably on Xbox 360.

http://www.edery.org/2008/01/xbox-live-arcade-is-looking-for-producers/
http://members.microsoft.com/careers/search/details.aspx?JobID=864B2388-452E-4E01-93DA-D865D009DDCC

 

[Shard]

I can think of a couple of people that might fit that role.

 

[Sectus]

Ahh, the wonderful xbox live community. I beat someone at Chessmaster Live and I get a message from my opponent harassing me and telling me I should become better at playing chess.

 

[McBradders]

Ahh, the wonderful xbox live community. I beat someone at Chessmaster Live and I get a message from my opponent harassing me and telling me I should become better at playing chess.

You should, losing is winning in chess. Don't you know anything?!

 

[Steverulez]

I can think of a couple of people that might fit that role.

I think you should apply Shard!

You're like the XBLA god, you need that job

 

[Neodiablo22]

..Why can't they release a good chess game like battle chess

 

[Mar]

..Why can't they release a good chess game like battle chess

Or Archon.

Ok, Archon isn't anything like chess. But hey, I love Archon and would blow cocks to play it on XBLA.

 

[Shard]

I think you should apply Shard!

You're like the XBLA god, you need that job

I don't I would meet their qualifications.

 

[Shard]

The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai

http://www.xblarcade.com/node/1666

Good to the last drop: New Screens from The Dishwasher

DishwasherBlurb1 If gore is not your thing, turn away now. Sure, the gore in upcoming XBLA game The Dishwasher is over the top and not terribly realistic. But quibbles like that didn't stop Fox News from working everyone up into a tizzy over Mass Effect's digital porn status. Therefore, avert your eyes children. I don't wanna get sued. It's time for the adults to enjoy a moment of macabre beauty fresh from the mind of James Silva of Ska Studios.

Go ahead and jump down the rabbit hole my violence-craving friends. Tell me if your lust for blood and cyborg destruction is satiated. Sick puppy that I am, it just whets my appetite.

If you dig this game, you will want to check back here tomorrow. I've got a wee contest and it revolves around The Dishwasher. Stay tuned.

Buku Sodoku
http://www.xblarcade.com/node/1665

The pre-Knizia days: Merscom to publish Buku Sudoku

Buku Sudoku_logo Merscom_logo While we wait for all 300+ Reiner Knizia games to be translated from a board to a TV, we will be treated to at least one other title from Merscom: Buku Sudoku. Gamasutra is reporting that Merscom is publishing the game and is excited about the game's chances on XBLA. Expect a release in Q2 2008.

The company emphasized three key strengths of the XBLA platform as the pillars upon which the "best console Sudoku experience" has been built. HD graphics allow for highly readable grids and markings (kinda important in Sudoku), the Xbox 360 controller offers "a very fast entry method", and finally, Xbox Live's multiplayer system which can create "multiplayer experiences never before witnessed in a Sudoku game." Of course, I've never played Sudoku in any form of multiplayer. Should be interesting.

Another interesting tidbit: despite their love of the Xbox 360 controller, the game will also leverage the "Big Button" controller that comes with Scene It!.

Either way I'm sure Sudoku addicts will be excited. Need a demo to form an opinion? You can check out the PC demo (60 minute time-limited) and see for yourself how Merscom did Sudoku in the past. However, I've been informed that while the PC version was the original basis for the XBLA game, this new version offers much more than the PC version. Chief among the differences is the presence of multiplayer (competitive and coop).


Note: This game was announced at E3 under the title "Boku Sudoku". That was just a working title but Buku Sudoku is now the official title.

[via Gamasutra]

Merscom to bring Sudoku to Xbox LIVE Arcade~
Sudoku to launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade Q2 2008 with innovative multi-player



CHAPEL HILL, NC ~ January 31, 2008 ~ Merscom announced it will be publishing this Spring Buku Sudoku, the first Sudoku game for the Xbox LIVE Arcade system. The first, and only, Sudoku title for the Xbox LIVE Arcade, Buku Sudoku brings the worldwide Sudoku phenomenon to the Xbox LIVE Arcade while adding innovative competitive and cooperative play features.

Buku Sudoku uses three key features of the XBLA platform to create the best console Sudoku experience. First, the native HD resolution of the 360 allows for an easy to read grid with pencil marks. Secondly, the controller~s triggers and thumbsticks make for a very fast entry method, a usual barrier with electronic Sudoku games. Thirdly, the unique XBLA service allows for multiplayer experiences never before witnessed in a Sudoku game. All of this is wrapped up in a cohesive graphical style that manages to offer something for all users. In a similar fashion, multiple puzzle sizes, difficulties, control schemes, and tutorials offer appeal to any player whether totally new or a veteran.

~We are really excited about the release of Buku Sudoku, as it takes the proven and popular gameplay of Sudoku to a new level. It will appeal not only to Sudoku fans but anyone who loves a great gameplay experience,~ said Kirk Owen, CEO at Merscom. ~Given the popularity of Sudoku on other platforms and the quality of this game, we expect Buku Sudoku to be a phenomenal hit.~

About Merscom

Merscom is a global publisher of mass market computer and video games that distributes games through multiple channels, multiple platforms and multiple revenue models. Merscom's channels include retail distribution in the US and Europe, online sale through major portals worldwide and games on Microsoft~ Xbox Live~ Arcade. Merscom publishes games from leading casual game developers, including Sandlot Games, Reflexive Entertainment, Absolutist and Pi-Eye Games. Merscom publishes on multiple platforms including PC, console and handheld. Merscom produces entertaining products for gamers of all ages and guarantees all customers a great experience. For more information visit www.merscom.com.

 

[Manager]

How do you remove XBLA demos from your Achievements history? I heard the latest patch would fix this, but I can still see them in my summary.
I guess I'm a little bit late on this one.

 

[Hunahan]

How do you remove XBLA demos from your Achievements history? I heard the latest patch would fix this, but I can still see them in my summary.
I guess I'm a little bit late on this one.

They lied.

You can't.

 

[ZeoVGM]

How do you remove XBLA demos from your Achievements history? I heard the latest patch would fix this, but I can still see them in my summary.
I guess I'm a little bit late on this one.

Two things need to be fixed on the next update:

XBLA demos should never show up in your Achievements history. Ever.

And give us an option so we only see games we have the full versions of. I have every XBLA demo downloaded and I like having them all, but I only have like 50-something purchased.

 

[xbhaskarx]

And give us an option so we only see games we have the full versions of.

I really want this as well.